Double dippers under scrutiny

Governor Bill Richardson proposed reforms to the state's return to work rules for retirees that will eliminate the practice known as “double dipping.” Richardson is calling on lawmakers to pass the reforms during the upcoming regular legislative session that begins in January.

Richardson is urging lawmakers to pass the following changes that could save the state as much as $7 million:

• No employment by a PERA member employer within 12 months of retirement (this includes contract employment)

• No PERA retirement payouts while collecting a paycheck.

• Eliminating employer retirement contributions for retirees who return to work.

The changes would not retroactively affect the more than 500 state employees or 1,600 county and municipal employees currently considered double dippers.

 

Water power plan gets

federal fundsU.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced up to $30.6 million in Recovery Act funding for the selection of seven hydropower projects that modernize hydropower infrastructure by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts at existing facilities. New Mexico will receive up to $4.56 million in funding for upgrades.Los Alamos County would get up to $4.56 million for a project to add a low flow turbine/generator to the 13.8 MW hydroelectric plant in Abiquiu, increasing the total plant capacity by 3 MW and allowing the dam to operate when releases are below or above the capacity of the two  existing turbines. The upgrade will increase annual generation by  22 percent.  The project's environmental benefits include higher dissolved oxygen content in downstream water and increased  minimum flows.                          

 “One of the best opportunities we have to increase our supply of clean energy is by bringing our hydropower systems into the 21st Century,” said Secretary Chu.

Following negotiation of final funding amounts, projects are expected to begin in 2010.

 

Groups offer teacher money

Golden Apple Foundation and Wells Fargo are partnering to offer 43 $1,000 grants to teachers across the state. Teachers can submit an application for financial support for projects in the following categories:  Classroom books or supplies for specific instructional unit, Educational field trips and associated in-class lessons, classroom technology and/or professional development, such as conference or seminar.  Postmark deadline is Nov. 20. For more information, call 1-505-268-5337.

Contest underway for anti-smoking

The New Mexico Media Literacy Project is seeking entries for its fourth annual “Talk Back to Big Tobacco” Script and Storyboard Contest. The contest is seeking scripts written by New Mexico youth for 30-second radio and television commercials aimed at preventing tobacco use by children and teens.

With a chance to win $500 cash, the contest allows middle and high school students to use their creative voices to tell the truth about tobacco. Scripts can focus on the dangers of smoking, the tobacco industry's deceptive marketing tactics, or why so many young people choose to live tobacco-free lives.

In New Mexico, smoking rates are higher among high school students (26 percent) than among adults (21 percent). 

“We're especially interested in scripts aimed at youth from low-income households and rural communities, Native American youth, LGBT youth, and youth with disabilities,” said Windy Gay, the contest director. “These young people are disproportionately affected by tobacco use in New Mexico.”

Contest rules allow residents between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate. Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 4.

For complete contest rules, entry forms and resources visit www.talkback.nmmlp.org or call 1-505-858-8897.

Natives, senator seek clean energy

U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, delivered remarks on the impact of clean energy and climate change legislation on Indian Country during a gathering of representatives of the nation's 564 federally-recognized tribes.

“Indian Country represents 5 percent of the nation's land base and contains 10 percent of its energy resources. Your lands are rich in renewable resources like wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. And you are examples to the nation of what it means to be true stewards of the land,” Udall told the group. “I'm working hard in the Senate to make sure Native tribes not only have a seat at the table in this debate, but also get their fair share of the benefits and economic opportunity we expect from our transition to a clean energy economy.”

The Senate bill would:

• Increase the share of funding available for tribes for renewable energy and energy efficiency to as much as 3 percent.

• Increase the tribal share of domestic adaption funding to as much as 5 percent.

• Include tribes in energy efficient building and home heating assistance programs.

• Require greater inclusion of tribes in planning provisions concerning fish and wildlife habitats, drinking water and wastewater system adaption, clean transportation, and state natural resource adaption.

• Ensure that 5 percent of federal natural resource adaption funding goes to tribes and that tribal land is eligible for additional federal natural resources funding.

Housing group offers help

The Grants Housing Authority will be accepting applications starting Dec. 1 to assist with security deposits and utility deposits for initial move-ins in the Cibola and McKinley County area for low-income families. The Grants Housing Authority will open a waiting list for this service starting Dec. 1. Funds will be available in January of 2010. Applicants do not have to be a Grants Housing Authority applicant.

The Grants Housing Authority is also accepting applications for the Section 8 Program.

For more information call the Grants Housing Authority at 285-6359.